Spring Break Goals

1) Celebrate Ms. S's wedding (tonight!).  Not only am I sure to cry a lot (thank you waterproof {Younique} mascara), but take lots of pictures for her.  My friend Mrs. K took lots of the venue and decor for me, which helped tide me over until the professional ones came six weeks later.

2) Paint our cabinets.  We ripped out our medicine cabinets in our master and had custom shelving built. I'm staining the new cabinets over break to match the other cabinets that I painted {last year}.

We're going to Home Depot tomorrow to get some new paint brushes to complete the project.

3) Paperwork

Between a doctor's appointment, renewing my teaching license, getting finger printed for my license, and updating my passport with my new married name, I've got a lot of paperwork to do.  

4) Family time

I'm helping B's aunt plan her mom's 90th birthday party next month.  We're having lunch on Monday to talk about decor and some of the details.  Plus she won some free leggings at a Lularoe party I hosted, so I've got to give those to her as well.

5) Prep for third grade

I'm redoing my "No Way Jose" game to fit third grade standards.  I know I won't need it until August, but I won't have access to a printer over the summer, so I should start this early.  I'll need to cut out laminate, but that's easily done during a summer Netflix binge.  I've also started mapping out my supply list of what I'll need for third grade.  

6) Finish my mom's album

As part of her Christmas gift, I'm making my mom an album of wedding pictures.  Shutterfly doesn't work well with our professional pictures (they're too detailed, so it comes out pixalated), so I'm using another site instead.  I've got the backbone done, I just want to add in some silly photo booth images as well.

7) Catch up on grading

To be fair, this may or may not happen. I'll probably grade in spurts, meaning three papers and then do something else.  It seems less painful this way.

8) Finish Play Like a Pirate

It's one of the books I picked up at ASCD and I'm loving it.  As I shared on Twitter, it's like having a super nerdy conversation with an old friend. I'm feeling inspired and making lots of notes in my book.

9) Nap.  Every day if possible.  (Day 1 complete).

10) Catch up on blogging.  Between classroom adventures and ASCD, I've got a lot of half started blog posts I need to finish.

What are your spring break goals?

Sneaking into September

 (Image from love this pic)

I blinked and it's September.

Not the beginning of September mind you, the middle.  With the school year starting late (August 29th), this time of year feels more frantic than normal.  Granted, wedding planning and adjusting to a new role at work doesn't help.
 
Reading... Teaching with Love and Logic by Fay and Funk.

I've read the parenting version because that's what our school counselor had on hand (it was a {summer read}).  This gem is frequently back ordered...and for good reason.  It's just a lot of practical, common sense advice for avoiding power struggles with students (a trap I fall into often).  I've had a few rough years and have to be reflective on that.  Perhaps part of my teaching style was a catalyst for their behaviors, so it's time to try something new.

This year I'm giving them more choices (but I'm okay with all the choices that are given), having less hall way conversations, and trying to ensure a more calm classroom environment.  It's going fairly well.

Playing... catch up on blogging!  There's lots to share in terms of wedding updates and the first two weeks of school.  My phone is currently uploading pictures to dropbox and I'm planning out posts.

Watching... Once Upon a Time because season 5 is now on Netflix!  Granted, this is how we watch Netflix...

...so sometimes I have to watch episodes a few times to get the whole picture.  Crookshanks is laying on me while Waffles has claimed her portion of the bed. 

Trying... to be motivated to tidy the house or plan out meals for the week.  However, B's not home (he's off golfing), so I feel like I should relax too.

Cooking... not a whole lot these days. But that's nothing new.  We'll set up our meals when he's home and make decisions together.

Eating... well, trying to eat healthy.  The first two weeks of the school year are fueled by caffeine and chocolate out of sheer necessity (it's LONG hours), but now it's time to get back into a routine.  As a helpful tip to fellow teachers, always keep an extra frozen meal in the freezer or can of soup in your desk just in case.  One of my colleagues had a super hectic morning (she's got twin teenagers who just got their drivers licenses) and forgot her lunch.  I didn't want her to starve or worse, eat school lunch, so I was able to help her out.

Drinking... water, water, water. The more liquid I consume, the more sinus drainage I have.  Considering I'm still in recovery from my sinus surgery, this is a good

Calling... my momma but she's out living life (possibly at yoga).




Texting... friends. One had a super rough week, but we love her and sent her flowers to brighten her day:

Pinning... nothing? I haven't had a chance to do my nails in weeks, much less get on Pinterest.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed (as I am at the start of the school year), seeing pinterest perfect, color coded classrooms doesn't help!

Tweeting... again, nothing? I think I uploaded a picture to instagram a few days ago?

Going... to finalize our wedding flowers later today! Small baby steps in the right direction.

Loving... this school year. I have the most kids I've ever started with (thirty five, ya'll. Thirty freaking five) but honestly, 34 of them are stellar.  The one who is being difficult has been for years, but I've made positive parent contact and keep purposefully seeking out opportunities to praise the kiddo for on task and appropriate choices.  He's just a tad spoiled, doesn't seem to have expectations at home, and gets very angry with me when I ask him to do things in class (and not just draw).  We'll get there.  In the mean time, I've got thirty four other munchkins who are thrilled about fifth grade and having some great discussions so far!

Hating... how my nose still isn't better. I know surgery and healing is a process, but still. I'm on a decongestant to help with the drainage.

Discovering... that my sinuses and nose now work as they should! I did a nasal spray (as I do, multiple times a day) and it drained down my throat.  That has never happened before.  My nose plumbing is working correctly (even if it's still healing).  Hooray for science and medical advancements!

Thinking... about a bubble bath, a pedicure (at home of course, we're saving for a wedding), or a nap.  Or quite frankly, all of the above.

Feeling... like walking the pup, but it's simply too hot outside.

Hoping (for)... healing and peace.  A coworker had major surgery yesterday, a friend is dealing with medical issues, and others are fighting depression.  It's hard. I sometimes struggle to find the words to say, so I simply reaffirm that they're not alone and it's okay if they don't want to be social.  Depression is draining, healing is hard, and sometimes it's okay to not be okay.  I just hope they know I love them and am rooting for them.

Listening (to)... Crooksie trying to make her way into the pantry.  Our two cats are on a new diet and one is not enjoying it.  I found a hole in the food bag and realized that she'd snuck into the pantry and was supplementing her diet with extras.  No more of that!  So she's now giving quite the sassy attitude because the pantry is closed and that's where their food is kept.  The struggle is real.

Celebrating... the weekend!  Our wedding invites are mailed, our cake tasting is set up, we've received our first RSVP for the wedding, and there's lots of exciting things happening.  We're thrilled about our wedding, but also thrilled for the big events in our friends' lives.  This month brings a five year old's birthday party and another couple's baby shower.  Another friend is putting the finishing touches on her new (first) home and others are almost done unpacking from their move. 

Smelling... hahahaha nothing.  Thanks nose.

Thanking... the gals that came over last night for a make your own bath products party! (Bathologie, all natural and organic stuff!)

Considering... how to proceed with my nail situation.  Gel polish? Jamberry wraps?  Decisions decisions.

Starting... to plan a baby shower in my head... (not for me, no one jump to conclusions!)

Finishing... this blog post!

What are YOU up to currently?

That was not the plan

With less than an hour left in July, I figured it was time to check in on how I did on my {July Goals}.

I'll be honest, the end of July did not go as planned.

My car was in an accident while I was grocery shopping.  I left it in a parking spot, went inside Target to pick up some items, and when I came out an hour later, my car was in pieces.  

Both the Henderson police and Target security officers were helpful, but the security footage showed it was a Ryder truck.  The driver side swiped my car, leaving my bumper hanging off my vehicle and simply drove away.  I used a lot of four letter words towards that person and quite frankly, I hope karma catches up.  That wasn't cool.

I have a rental for the next week.  My car was not drive-able and while it doesn't count against me for insurance rates (you know, because I wasn't even in the vehicle and it was parked in a legal parking spot), I'm left with the deductible.  

I called Ryder and filed a claim.  It's a bit of a long shot, but it was there vehicle that caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to mine.  They were supposed to call a few days ago with an update, but didn't, so that's on tomorrow's to do list.  Fingers crossed they pick up the tab and can track down the jerk who did it!

(After grappling with this for the past week, I'll share that I'm glad I was not in the car and was not injured.  I'm glad the Henderson police responded promptly and the officer was quite kind.  I sent a thank you message (on social media) and got a response from their department.  It's not a secret the police have a thankless job at times and if I ever need them again, I hope to have another caring officer.  I'm glad my insurance agents were so helpful at getting the issue resolved.  The accident happened between 3 and 4 pm, so I got to their office at 4:40 (my State Farm office is a few stores down from Target).  I had an 8:30 am appointment at Chevy the next morning and was home by 9:30 (kudos to Enterprise and Chevy for their prompt service).  State Farm also called that afternoon to make sure everything went okay with getting a rental and to see how I was doing.  Again, this could have all been a lot worse and I'm glad to have lots of people in my corner.  A stranger comforted me in the parking lot after I found my car in pieces.  Bless her.  B came to comfort me, stayed while I talked to the police, took home groceries, and still made dinner because we had company over that evening.  He proves time and time again to be my calm rock in the storm.)

I also have been jumping through hoops to get sinus surgery scheduled.  To no one's surprise, insurance isn't being super cooperative and I'll be left with a large co-pay.  I just want to breathe correctly, I don't think that's too much to ask. 

Chloe also had to have blood work, was diagnosed with kidney disease, and had to have her teeth cleaned (meaning she was sedated and at the vet all day).  She's switched to a new diet and doing fine now, but I was a wreck for a few days.  I don't care what people say, fur babies are family.

But let's hop back to the goals I set a few weeks ago and see how things panned out. 

Goal 1:
Have the house totally cleaned for when my mom, bro, and his gf come up for my bridal shower...(read full post {here}).

Yup!  (Minus the garage and part of the pantry.)   Calling this one a success! 

Look how great our guest bedroom looks:

My goal is to keep it this way!

Goal 2:
Finish Wonder...

I didn't start the book.  I plan to!  I'll have lots of down time when I'm healing from sinus surgery in the next few weeks.

Goal 3:
Finish the Office...

After family left today (and I enjoyed a nice nap), we watched a few episodes.  Okay, it was a several hour Netflix marathon, but I did laundry during it!  We are on the final season, so we are close.  I've got Arrow & Agents of Shield on my queue and have heard great things about Stranger Things (on Netflix).  

Goal 4:
Try new recipes...

{These} BBQ chicken sliders were delicious! We left off the parsley...because I forgot to buy some at the store.  We also had a couple friend over and B grilled black bean veggie burgers and spicy vegetarian burgers.   

We also checked out the {Bad Owl} cafe today and I had a wizard melt (grilled cheese) but left the avocado on.  This was a big step for me.

Also, if you're ever in the Henderson area, I highly recommend this place! 

Goal 5:
Attend my bridal shower...

I was at a loss for words, which is quite the feat.  My bridesmaids, future MIL, and her friends truly outdid themselves.  Not everyone was able to attend (life happens), but I felt loved and spoiled.  My shower was absolutely perfect, but more on that later!

Goal 6:
Set up my new phone...

Minus a few apps that I need to remember my passwords for, I'd say I'm pretty good.  We also helped my mom set up her new phone today and she's been having lots of fun with it.

Goal 7:
Finish most of the long range plans....

We had another planning session that was cut short by Mrs. H's kids.  She's coming over Tuesday morning and I plan to spend some time tomorrow thinking about the first week of school.  Again, good progress considering it's summer break.

Goal 8:

Send out birthday cards in a timely manner...

Success!  Ones that needed to be mailed have been mailed!  His mom's is sealed and her birthday is at the end of August, so I feel super on top of things.  I even have all of the supplies to make her gift (a front door wreath), so that will be happening before I go back to work.

A sneak peek of the upcoming project:

Goal 9:
Exercise...

We went twice last week and have a gym date planned for this Tuesday!  Plus I pushed a super heavy cart around Costco, so that counts for something!

Goal 10:
Finish going through our junk mail...

Another victory! I haven't shredded everything that needs to be destroyed, nor have I filed all our documents in the filing cabinet, but there was still a major pile that was demolished.  Who says Netflix binges can't be productive?

Goal 11:
Be more consistent with my small businesses...

I held a flash sale (to help pay for car expenses) and it went really well! I'm blessed to have friends that are supportive (and who also like make up).

I'm looking forward to doing a back to school make over session with friends.  I can also use nasal surgery as an opportunity to showcase how great the concealer is at covering the black eyes I will most likely accrue! (Always gotta find that silver lining!)

Goal 12:
Help my momma with her new phone...

 I jumped ship and shared this earlier...oops! She loves her new phone so yay!

Goal 13:
Nap.

Surprisingly, I did not take as many naps as I would have liked! Good thing I have this week to make up for it.

Despite the major hiccups with my car and my faulty nose, the end of July shaped up to be a pretty great month.  I had friend time on multiple occasions, got a nice walk with Waffles in, bought new bulletin board fabric and bins for my classroom (on a day when everything was 25% off for teachers at Joann's!), got my 31 order (and the bags are super cute!) and was spoiled at my bridal shower.

August, we're starting on a high note and I'd like to keep it that way!